Systems and methods for secure delivery, transfer, storage, and retrieval of items

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing, accessing and receiving or returning an item from another are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations, including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient&#39;s property. In another embodiment, the system and method allow a user to receive, store and/or return an item without exposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that would impair the value of the items. Methods of utilizing the systems described herein are also disclosed.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/678,891, filed Nov. 8, 2019, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/758,101, filed Nov. 9,2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/883,996, filedAug. 7, 2019, the entireties of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally concerned withsoftware and hardware systems and methods for delivery of items, such ashousehold or commercial goods and other e-commerce items.

BACKGROUND

Package volume has grown from 44-billion parcels in 2014 to 65 billionin 2016, according to a Pitney Bowes index that measures volume andspending on shipments in 13 major markets including the United States.The index estimates package shipping will continue to rise between 17%and 28% each year between 2017 and 2021. It follows that package thefthas become an epidemic. More specifically, over 11-million packages arestolen from doorsteps in the United States each year. In addition, over1-billion packages are not successfully delivered on the first attempt.These two issues result in over $17-billion in losses per year. Thepredominant challenge currently faced is associated with scheduling andexecuting a secure handoff between a carrier and recipient that meetsthe recipient's needs while aligning with evolving delivery methods andprocesses.

While certain systems and methods have attempted to resolve theseissues, the primary challenges associated with scheduling and executinga secure handoff between a carrier and recipient remain. For example,U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016/0068277 and 2016/0101874describe a platform or tray that may support a package, a drone, or acombination of the two. While these publications address concernsrelating to access and security, they do not address loss or spoilageand still leave the package and/or drone exposed and, thus, subject totheft. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0116568 describes acontainer with moveable gates for securing a package but fails to ensurethe package is not damaged or spoiled while in the container.

In addition, the Internet of Things (“IoT”) and Blockchain technologyhas enhanced the way in which users access data associated with remotedevices and, in certain instances, remotely control such devices. Whilenumerous solutions have attempted to improve upon IoT networkcommunications, device, and data security, particularly with respect topackage delivery, receipt, and item storage, deficiencies still persist.These prior solutions generally fail to provide a way for sharing accessvia Blockchain and/or control of an IoT capable device over a closednetwork.

Further, the current e-commerce ecosystem does not capture the completeinformation of a household or commercial establishment's purchasingbehavior, and the limited information is distributed amongst variouse-commerce players in a piecemeal fashion. The present inventioncomprises an ecosystem that captures the complete information ofhousehold or commercial buyer behavior, agnostic of the e-commercewebsite from which the product is ordered or returned to. The ecosystemof the present disclosure also aims to share information to and from thedelivery companies, thus completing the exchange and closing the loop oneCommerce transactions. The data captured during this process permits auser of the system to obtain a complete profile of household orcommercial establishment's purchasing patterns, and in turn, driveefficiencies in targeted marketing communication to end-users. From thisdata, algorithms, analysis, optimization, cost-savings, incentives, andmany other value-adds can be realized and/or offered back to deliverycompanies and the end-users.

Given these and other shortcomings of the prior art, there is along-felt but unresolved need for systems and methods that meet varyingcustomer's needs and that integrates with the current and planneddelivery and collection modalities while aligning with existing carrierprocesses. It is also desirable to provide systems and methods thatavoid loss not only attributable to theft, including but not limited to,spoilage or damage from the elements.

SUMMARY

It is one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to providea secure and transparent product shipping system. The systemaccommodates receiving customer delivery time preference, address,delivery means, package size, and required temperature conditions, whilefully empowering the customer to control physical and temporal access tothe delivery area.

It is, therefore, one aspect of embodiments of the present invention toprovide a recipient and carrier with a centralized hardware and softwaresystem that allows management of the delivery and collection process.One embodiment of the present invention provide at least one of a meansfor 1) securely ordering goods, which includes automated input ofshipping and delivery instructions; 2) securely receiving a variety ofdifferent package sizes and types at one or more locations, including,but not limited to, on or adjacent to a recipient's property; 3)tracking package shipment and delivery and receipt confirmation ornotice of non-receipt of the same; 4) providing a carrier an interactivemodality for receiving and granting access to a container or likevessel; 5) ensuring items within a package are safe from loss, damage,spoilage, and other conditions or events that cause to adversely affectthe value of the items; 6) interacting with carriers, to manage thedelivery process, to change delivery instructions while in transit, ifnecessary, to receive the delivery as desired; 7) interacting withcarriers, to manage the returns process, to change return instructionswhile in transit, if necessary; and 8) offering carriers a secureinteractive platform to share information. The use of “package” hereinis not limiting and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the devices, methods, and systems described herein contemplate usewith envelopes and parcels regardless of size, weight, or shape.

One embodiment of the present invention is a centralized systemcomprised of system software integrated with a storage container. Insome embodiments, at least one container or like vessel is positioned onor adjacent to a recipient's property, such as a home, a porch, abackyard, an office, a rental property, a common area, curb, sidewalk,catwalk, factory or warehouse, etc. The container may be owned and/ordedicated to a single user, business, or household. In otherembodiments, the container or vessel is located at a convenient publicor semi-public location, such as a post office, a local supermarket, alibrary, a local recreational or community center, a church, aresidential mailbox station, a curbside, a designated area of a parkinglot, a school, a playground, or other semi-public or public location,wherein the container may be temporarily used by the intended recipientand accessible to other users as well. The third-party owners of theselocations could charge a small fee to provide this contemplated pickupservice. The container may be fixed or transportable from a firstlocation to a second location.

The packages to be received and stored in the container may encompass avariety of consumer goods, including apparel, electronics,books/magazines, gift items, personal items, mail, groceries, alcohol,pharmaceuticals and other legal recreational drugs, hazardous materials,foodstuffs, etc. In some embodiments, the container may be large enoughto store furniture, home décor items, exercise equipment, and otherlarger goods. In other embodiments, the container may be of verysignificant size, or akin to a storage unit for receiving and storingany variety of business goods for commercial use. The system of oneembodiment assesses the size and shape of the package, either fromindicia found on the package or sensed, and provides access to anappropriately sized container. Some embodiments of the present inventioncontemplate autonomous or semi-autonomous rerouting of packages undercertain circumstances. For example, if the recipient's container cannotaccommodate the size or character of the package, the carrier—human orautonomous—will be directed to a suitable nearby container or securelocation, such as a neighbor's container that has been preauthorized forsuch deliveries (or a garage or other suitable space).

If no suitable delivery locations are identified within a predeterminedradius of the resident's primary delivery location, the carrier will bedirected to deliver the package to a public or semi-public deliverylocation as described above. Again, the alternate delivery decisions canbe autonomous, preselected by the recipient, or made real-time by therecipient on their mobile device, for example. In still otherembodiments, the system will similarly obtain information regardingtemperature requirements and open the appropriate container and initiatea temperature increase or decrease. The power for this functionality canbe provided by an external power source or integrated solar panels.

The container may comprise a first access portal for receiving one classof consumer or business items, such as a package, and a second accessportal for receiving smaller items, such as mail. Further, perishableitems may be stored in a first container or container partition, whilenon-perishable items may be stored in a second container or containerpartition.

The container may comprise an interactive keypad, or other physical,in-direct, remote, or virtual data input device or method, associatedwith a structure's main door, a garage, an entry gate, a vehicle, or adesignated office/commercial storage area. Entering a code, for example,into the data input device will allow access to the storage container.Alternatively, the package may include indicia, a transmitter, orrelated device that is assessed by the container, or which communicateswith the container, to provide permission-based access to thecontainer's door, the garage, the entry gate, the vehicle, thedesignated office/commercial storage area, etc. to allow for packagedelivery.

The packages may have a unique code, circuit, RFID transmitter, coil,microchip, or display a UPC code, a QR code, or similar indicia that isconfirmed before the container permits access thereto. The confirmationmay occur autonomously by scanning or reading a unique code on thepackage, while in other embodiments, the confirmation may occur througha user-selected confirmation sequence. In some embodiments, facialrecognition is used to allow delivery personnel or preselected thirdparties to access the container.

The container is accessed by human carriers or autonomous deliverydevices, including drones, driverless vehicles, robots, etc. In otherembodiments, the one or more containers or like vessels may be accessedby a person with appropriate credentials to access and deposit itemswithin the same. As mentioned above, the container may comprise akeypad, an RFID reader/scanner, a chip reader, an infrared scanner, aproximity scanner, a biometric scanner, or other security systems knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. The containers and systemsdescribed herein may also employ Near-Field Communication (NFC)technology. The container may have the ability to grant permission-basedaccess to a garage door, home door, automobiles, designated officeareas, warehouse or other permanently or temporarily secure areas.

In other embodiments, the container employs one or more cameras, a GPSlocator device, a motion detector, and/or a charging dock for drones anddelivery robots. A version may have the ability to accept deliveriesfrom drones, voorloopers (such as in the case of delivery to a high-riseapartment building), or via a window-based receptacle, which may betranslucent. In some embodiments, the container includes audio outputdevices that provide prerecorded or real-time instructions to thecarrier—“please place package A in compartment A, please place package Bin refrigerated compartment B” or equivalent instructions. In otherembodiments, the parcels within the container are coded (usingRFID-coded labels, for example) for extraction and placement in aparticular location within the secure area. In this manner, anautonomous delivery device (i.e., drone) may deliver different types ofitems and securely store those items in the appropriate areas or zoneswithin a receptacle, such as a secure container described in greaterdetail herein. This functionality is particularly well-suited forgrocery or pharmaceutical delivery services, wherein some items are tobe stored at different temperatures. Real-time audio may be generatedvia the recipient's mobile device or remote computer.

It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure toprovide software provided with a computer-readable storage medium(preferably non-transitory) comprising processor-executable instructionsoperable to utilize the systems or perform the methods as describedherein. The software may be installed on a mobile application thatallows users to monitor and/or control container access. In someembodiments, a carrier may have certain use rights granted by the userand managed through the mobile application or a similar application.

In some embodiments, the software solution includes, but is notrestricted to, a mobile application, wherein a browser-based applicationthat connects all the components of the complete product delivery valuechain. The system may comprise an e-commerce website, the correspondingdelivery service for the ordered product, and the relevant container orreceptacle that accepts the delivery. All the components will preferablybe connected via a cloud computing platform via Blockchain, IoT, orsoftware as described herein. In other embodiments, the softwaresolution will offer a one-click solution for providing the relevantdelivery information and will generate an order confirmation, trackingdetails, and communicate container access authorization information, andsuccessful receipt or pickup. In some embodiments, the relevant deliverytracking information can be accessed via a voice-controlled device likeAlexa or Siri

In some embodiments, the foregoing may be used to transfer ownership ofitems between two private parties at a secure location or facilitatecharitable donations.

Currently, a shipping and tracking code is generated after an order isplaced via a website, for example. Some web-based marketplaces requirepackage carriers to notify recipients within a predefined window ofdelivery time. The carrier is often also asked to scan the package orotherwise notify the shipper the package has been delivered, so themarketplace can notify the recipient. Embodiments of the presentinvention improve on this method by also including an indication of thecontainer's location. When the human or automated carrier scans thepackage and forwards that information to the container, or when thecontainer scans or otherwise recognizes the package, the containerunlocks and/or opens to receive the package. Thereafter, the systemnotifies the recipient that the package has been delivered and securesthe container. Accordingly, continuous and secure package delivery ispossible.

It is one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to providea secure package receipt system that is stored on a domicile porch orany similar building entrance location. As in the other embodimentsdescribed herein, the contemplated system protects packages from theelements, allows for secure handoff/notification, secure storage, and,in some embodiments, climate control to keep refrigerated or frozenitems cold and fresh. The climate-controlled storage compartmentemployed by some embodiments receives power via a direct connection tothe dwelling or building's power or a battery. In other embodiments,dedicated solar panels are provided. In some embodiments, the systemwill employee scales, cameras, or other sensors to recognize weight,volume, and temperature of the contents inside to trigger arefrigeration or freezer element if needed. As eluded to above,alternative delivery methods are also contemplated that enable seamlessdriverless vehicle, robot, and/or drone delivery. Additionally, standardmail can be delivered in a dedicated slot.

With respect to security, the system may be anchored to the porch orstructure and may include a backup battery that initiates an alarm orsends a notification when the container is unplugged to hinder theft ornotify the user that power has been lost. If the user is moving the boxintentionally, the alarm can be disabled wirelessly at any time througha web application, or by entering a code. Additionally, GPS may beintegrated to pinpoint the location of the container.

The container can be insulated and weatherproof. In addition, wired orwireless means for communicating with the dwelling or building'sinternet network or a mobile chip, for example, may be provided. Thecontainer of some embodiments allows remote opening with a garage dooropener, a smartwatch, a mobile application, etc. Child safety measures,such as motion detectors or voice-activated controls associated with thecontainer are employed to prevent small children from being trapped. Thecontainer may also double as a bench and include charging docks formobile devices or drones.

In one embodiment, the “container” is a garage that selectively openswhen prompted by the carrier, e.g., upon entry of a code, facialrecognition confirmation, etc., or autonomously when the package isscanned. Thereafter, the recipient is notified regarding entry into thegarage and the package delivery. The system may initiate garage doorclosing after a predetermined time. Further, entry into the garage mayinitiate cameras that monitor the carrier's activities within thegarage. This system may also include audio capabilities that allow therecipient to direct the human or automated carrier as to where to leavethe package—on the floor, on a shelf, in a cabinet, in the refrigerator,etc. This information could be comprised of pre-recorded messages orreal-time via the recipient's mobile device, for example.

In another embodiment, the container is a separate secure area, such asa shed, that receives and securely stores a package or parcel until thepurchaser returns to retrieve the same. The package can be placed withinthe shed or deposited through a chute on the shed roof, for example. Ifthe package is to be delivered through the shed's door, the aspectsdescribed above with respect to garage delivery can be employed. In someinstances, the package is deposited in a separate container in the shed.The shed, or integrated container positioned therein, may berefrigerated. In the roof delivery option, which is primarily suited fordrone delivery, the shed's roof may be completely or partiallyretractable.

In yet another embodiment, the container is similar to a curbsidemailbox and allows human or drone package delivery. This iteration mayhave refrigeration capabilities and can be positioned above or belowground. The above-ground version can be attached to, or replace currentsingle or multi-unit mailboxes. The below-ground version can beselectively deployable to an above-ground position of use, wherein thedevices that allow selective access to the container may be additionallyused to lift the container for convenient package delivery. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the methods that allowselective access to the container, container monitoring, deliverynotification, and container environmental control described above canalso be employed in this embodiment of the present invention.

In still yet another embodiment, the container comprises an extension ofa dwelling or a business's entrance. Here, the extended entrance issimilar to a mudroom configured to receive packages, similar to theembodiments described above.

A dwelling or business can also be modified to facilitate aerial dronepackage delivery. More specifically, a retractable roof door may beprovided that selectively opens when a drone approaches or hovers overit. Thereafter, the drone lowers the package onto a stationary platformor lands on the platform for charging. After the package is deliveredand the drone departs, the platform retracts, and the package is loweredinto the dwelling. Packages could also be picked up from the samesystem.

A simplified version of the present invention is a stand-alone box thatreceives the package as contemplated herein. The box would be openableonly by the human or robotic carrier and the recipient. Indeed, in someembodiments, the carrier delivers the box and included package to apredetermined secure location, wherein the box is retrieved at a latertime. This embodiment could allow for various commercial, military anddisaster relief use cases. In other versions, the box is selectivelysecured or tethered to a building, for example.

It is another aspect of many of the embodiments of the present inventiondiscussed above to facilitate delivery of some types of packages. Forexample, some packages—wine, legal documents, expensive items—require asignature before the package will be released, which means the recipientmust be present. Carriers will normally attempt to deliver such packages2-3 times before the intended recipient must travel to a distributioncenter to obtain their package. Such packages can be delivered to thecontainers as described herein, thereby avoiding this very commoninconvenience.

It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention toprovide a container configured to disinfect or otherwise expose packagesstored within to a disinfecting environment. For example, the containermay include devices that selectively treat stored items with anaerosolized mist of disinfectant solution. The disinfectant solution maybe stored within a bottle associated with the container that may berefillable. Alternatively, the user may also place a disinfectingdevice, such as a puck that releases disinfecting material for apredetermined amount of time; when heated with a heat source; whenexposed to UV or microwave radiation; etc. A vent or venting system maybe provided to facilitate removal of the disinfectant solution ormaterial. The contemplated disinfecting mist may be provided by at leastone sprayer or nozzle interconnected to at least one of the innersurfaces of the container walls, the container floor, and the innersurface of the lid or top. In one embodiment, the nozzles areinterconnected to a reservoir of disinfecting material and the mist isselectively controlled by a control system configured to directdisinfecting material from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle bycontrolling a valve and/or atomizer, for example. One of skill in theart will appreciate that the container may be purged with inert gas orgas harmful to pathogens (carbon dioxide, for example) to create thedisinfecting environment.

Other embodiments expose stored items to ultra-violet (UV) or microwaveradiation for a predetermined amount of time. The UV radiation may benaturally occurring, wherein the container includes one or moretranslucent or mesh panels that allow sunlight to enter into thecontainer. The contemplated UV-based system of one embodiment comprisesat least on UV emitter interconnected to at least one of the innersurfaces of the container walls, the container floor, and the innersurface of the lid or top. A controller is provided that is configuredto selectively power the at least one UV emitter.

Depending on the character of the package, the container may also employheating or refrigeration capabilities that increase or reduce thetemperature within the container to destroy pathogens. As one of skillin the art will appreciate, a control system described herein may alsobe employed to control container temperature. Further, the controllersof the systems described herein may function on a timer, be manuallyadjusted, or be adjusted with a device remote to the container. Thecontainer may also be configured to provide selective pressurevariations to create and maintain a negative pressure or vacuum withinthe container. The disinfecting functionality employed by someembodiments of the present invention may be integrated into any of thecontainer embodiments discussed herein.

In operation, the container is unlocked in the manner described hereinbefore package receipt. The container may also be configured toautomatically open and close so that the carrier or the end-user doesnot need to touch the container lid. After the package is placed withinthe container, it is closed, locked, and disinfecting of the storeditems begins. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that someembodiments, e.g., those with compartments that receive postage, may notrequire the open/closing and locking steps. Disinfecting of the storedpackage is done for a predetermined amount of time that is controlledremotely by the shipper, the end-user, or by a timer-based controlsystem associated with the container that disinfects the container'sstorage area according to guidelines preset by the end-user, shipper, ora third party. In some embodiments, the door or doors of the containerare locked during the disinfection process to prevent unintentionalopening. The end-user is notified that their package is safe frompathogens after the disinfection process is complete. Some embodimentsalso include the functionality wherein the package is tested afterdisinfection to verify the package is free from pathogens or pathogenshave been reduced below a recommended level. Further disinfection or adifferent disinfection method or protocol can be implemented if needed.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it beconstrued as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent invention. That is, these and other aspects and advantages willbe apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) described herein.Further, the above-described embodiments, aspects, objectives, andconfigurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will beappreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using,alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above ordescribed below. Moreover, references made herein to “the presentinvention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certainembodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily beconstrued as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. Thepresent invention is set forth in various levels of detail in theSummary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and theDetailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the presentinvention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion ofelements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additionalaspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent fromthe Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with thedrawings. In many cases, the foregoing examples of containers forresidential or home use may also apply to commercial, business, office,and other possible use cases. Additionally, the containers enable securereceipt of packages while enabling storage for secure pickup of packagesby authorized human, drone, robot, etc.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Assuch, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “automatically” and variations thereof, as used herein, refersto any process or operation done without material human input when theprocess or operation is performed. However, a process or operation canbe automatic, even though performance of the process or operation usesmaterial or immaterial human input, if the input is received beforeperformance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to bematerial if such input influences how the process or operation will beperformed. Human input that consents to the performance of the processor operation is not deemed to be “material”.

The term “machine-readable media” as used herein refers to any tangiblestorage that participates in providing instructions to a processor forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or opticaldisks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium,magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, a RAM, aPROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid-state medium like a memory card,any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which acomputer or like machine can read.

When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is tobe understood that the database may be any type of database, such asrelational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly,the invention is considered to include a tangible storage medium andprior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations of the present invention are stored.

The terms “determine”, “calculate”, and “compute,” and variationsthereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any typeof methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developedhardware, software, firmware, machine engine, artificial intelligence,fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable ofperforming the functionality associated with that element. Also, whilethe invention is described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it shouldbe appreciated that aspects of the invention may be separately claimed.

The term “Internet of Things” or “IoT” as used herein refers to a systemof devices capable of communicating over a network, including thecommunications of data over the network. The devices can includeeveryday objects such as thermostat systems, door locks, doors, garagedoor openers, security devices, cameras, appliances, and other devicesable to connect to a network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention positioned ona porch;

FIG. 2 is another illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front cross-section of one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure wherein thesecure location may be within a secure portion of a residential propertysuch as a garage;

FIG. 7 illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure wherein thesecure location is a remote structure, such as a shed;

FIG. 8 illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure wherein thesecure location is accessible from a roof or attic;

FIG. 9 illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure wherein thesecure location is located on a street, sidewalk, driveway or curb;

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure wherein thesecure location is a vestibule, doorway, or equivalent location;

FIG. 12 illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure wherein aportable shipping container may be transported to any residential,commercial or industrial location; and

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure fortransporting business or consumer items in a commercial container.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of these inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, in varying embodiments, relates to systems andmethods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing,accessing, and receiving an item from another. In one embodiment, forexample, a system and method are provided to securely receive a varietyof different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations,including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient's property or ata commercial or industrial location. In yet other embodiments, thesystem and method permits a user to track the shipment and delivery of apackage and confirm receipt of the same from any location, therebyensuring that the package has arrived at the correct location and issecurely stored until the user returns to the delivery location toretrieve the item. In further embodiments, the system may comprise aninteractive modality for receiving and granting access to a containerthat is owned or at least temporarily dedicated to a particular user.And in other embodiments, the system and method allow a user to receiveor send and store an item without exposing the item to loss, damage,spoilage, or other events that would impair the value of the items. Thesame logic applies to protection of an item prior to it being picked up.

The ensuing description provides embodiments only and is not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimedinvention. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled inthe art with an enabling description for implementing the embodiments.It should be understood that various changes may be made in the functionand arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

Furthermore, while embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in connection with various examples or illustrations, itshould be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure are notso limited. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure may beapplied to any location and any item, whether owned/purchased or not.For instance, while embodiments of the present invention may bedescribed with respect to a single-family residence or commercialproperty, other applicability is contemplated. It should be understoodthat the embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes andshould not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the present invention comprising acontainer 2 located on a porch 6, stoop or entryway of a residentialproperty. The container 6 comprises a keypad 10 that permits a user toenter a code to open the access portal 14 of the container 2. Here, theaccess portal 14 is located on the top surface of the container 2 thatis selectively accessed by pivoting the top cover of the container 2along one hinged side. In other embodiments, access portals may beprovided on a side surface of the container. The container may alsocomprise a secondary access portal, such as a mail slot 18, whichpermits a carrier to insert smaller items into the container 2 without acode. In this manner, routine deliveries (including, for example, dailymail) may be delivered and stored in the container without firstrequiring an access code to open the container. In one embodiment, theentry of a passcode may alert a user via a mobile application, includinginstances where the correct code or an incorrect code is supplied.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a first portion that isrefrigerated (or temperature controlled) and is used for deliveries ofperishable items, such as groceries, some pharmaceuticals, etc. Thecontainer may also comprise a freezer compartment or the temperature ofthe refrigeration compartment may be reduced for frozen items. Climatecontrol/temperature of the device may be controlled by the userremotely, through wireless or other signal indications communicated tothe container via the application described in detail below. Thecontainer preferably plugs into an electrical outlet located proximateto the container, such as an exterior household outlet. In certainembodiments, the container may further comprise a photovoltaic panel 22for providing primary or auxiliary power to the container. Thephotovoltaic panel 22 may comprise an array of cells and be positionedin a manner to maximize the generation of solar power to the system,including by providing the array on a hinged surface proximate to thetop surface of the container. Alternatively, the array may be locatedremotely from the container to account for the position of the sunrelative to the porch, stoop, or entryway. The container may employ abackup battery-powered source. In certain embodiments, the user isnotified when power is disconnected or if the backup battery becomesnecessary to power the container.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the container may be positioned in a visiblelocation on the front of a user's residence to best notify carriers ofthe container's presence and location, thereby increasing the accuracyof deliveries. The container may include the address numbers 26 and/orstreet name of the property to facilitate deliveries. The container maybe movable from the location depicted, and a user may position thecontainer in several different orientations best suited for theconstraints of the property. In certain embodiments, the containerincludes other indicia and may comprise lighting to make it easier for acarrier to locate the container at a specific property. In certainembodiments, illumination may be provided to alert a carrier that adelivery is expected at the property, while a different illuminationalert's the recipient that an item has been received in the container.The container may be larger or smaller in footprint than the containershown, and in some embodiments may have a greater height than depicted.

RFID or other tracking circuits or coils may be provided for identifyingthe package and items therein. Packages and/or containers may compriseGPS location tracking tags, which allow a user or carrier to pinpointthe desired location of the package or container relative to the addressand route the package or container through the optimal delivery network.Additionally, the containers described above may have the ability tosense the size of the package or portable container arriving for aspecific delivery and further sense the temperature and/or humidityrequirements for perishable items. The combination of security andloss-mitigation features of the systems described herein allow a carrieror user to virtually eliminate risk of spoilage and theft.

A solar array may also be provided for providing power to the unit forpreventing spoilage, for example, through a refrigeration unitassociated with the container. The containers may have unique codes(through RFID circuits or otherwise) and may be configured to bereceived within a certain container at a user's residence. Inembodiments, the portable container may comprise other indicia to helpwith identifying the package or the items associated therewith. Multiplecarriers may be provided with access to the container of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

In embodiments, the system facilitates communications with one or moreIoT devices. This communication may occur over a local system.Preferably, each IoT device in a local system is configured for remotecontrol and communication with a user. IoT devices may include camerasor other security equipment, scales, sensors, locks (including doorlocks and electronic locks), garage door openers, doorbell monitors, andother devices. In alternate embodiments, the communication occurs over awide area network. In embodiments, the network may be a private network,while in other embodiments the network may be a public network. Thedevices configured over the network are preferably capable of receivinginputs and communicating changes in state to at least a user associatedwith the property where a container is located, although it may also beconfigured to communicate to a carrier. Variations on the network anddevice configurations are contemplated herein. For example, a carriermay be allowed access to control a garage door opener to permit partialor complete access to a space located within a user's garage for placingan item therein. In other applications, a carrier may be allowed toenter a unique code to access a container. Autonomous delivery vehiclesmay also include these allowances.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show sectional views of the container 2. As in theembodiments described above, the container 2 includes an access portal14 that allow selective entry into the container's internal volume. Inaddition, the refrigeration unit 30 is shown in FIG. 3. The container 2may also include handles 34 that facilitate container movement.Container 2 may further comprise a motor 28, such as a servo or steppermotor, to actuate one or more doors to the interior of the container 2.In alternative embodiments, the motor 28 may be a pneumatically operabledevice and actuated by

Referring to FIG. 5, embodiments of the present disclosure provide auser with the option to provide a door 35 as an access portal fortransferring items to the user. For example, a keypad 32 located on ornear a door 35 to a user's garage 36 may provide a carrier with accessto a partitioned section of the user's garage 36 for storing deliveries.The garage partition and accessible from the exterior of the garage maybe large enough to provide a freezer, refrigerator or like equipment forreceiving perishable items. The door 35 may provide access to asufficient space for delivering large items such as sporting equipment,furniture, exercise equipment or similarly-sized items. The embodimentof FIG. 5 may comprise similar functionality as the embodiments of FIGS.1-4.

Additional security may be provided with the embodiment of FIG. 5. Forexample, a video surveillance system may be provided with the keypadaccess control to ensure that the items stored in the partitionedsection of the user's garage 36 are not disturbed, and to further ensurethat no one without access to the remainder of the propertyinadvertently or intentionally gains access to the remainder of theproperty. Additional security that may be provided in this and otherembodiments includes RFID readers/scanners, chip readers, infraredscanners, proximity scanners, biometric scanner or other securityapparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a keypad 42 may alternatively be located nearthe garage door 46 and permit an authorized passcode holder to raise thegarage door 46 for temporary access to the garage. In this embodiment, aportion of the garage may still be partitioned to avoid access to otheritems already stored in the garage. The main garage may also comprise arefrigerator or freezer for storing perishable items. The garage door 46may also be provided with a timing circuit or proximity sensors so thatthe garage door 46 is automatically closed after the passage of timeand/or the presence of movement in the garage is no longer detected.

Turning now to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, the container may becomprised of a shed 52 or similar structure on the user's property. Inthis embodiment, the access portal 56 may be located on the roof of thestructure and permit an autonomous delivery vehicle (i.e., a drone) 57to deliver an item 5 to the container/shed 52 from the air. This accesspermits a user to provide a large storage space for receiving deliverieswhile maintaining strong security over the access portal 56. The accessportal 56 may comprise retractable panels or doors that open only whenan authorized delivery is in the proximity of the container/shed 52. Incertain embodiments, the access portal 56 further comprises an elevatedplatform that can receive parcels in a first position and then retracttowards the floor of the container/shed 52 once the parcel is placed onthe platform. The structure may further comprise electrical outlets asdescribed above for powering refrigeration or freezing equipment and mayalso comprise a photovoltaic system 58 for providing power to thecontainer/shed 52 or equipment located therein. The container/shed 52may also provide access through a door or doors 53, which may besecurely controlled through the use of a keypad 54 or other securitymeasures described herein. The container/shed 52 may also comprise asecond access portal 55 for receiving regular items, such as mail.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7,with a roof-mounted container 66 located on the roof surface of astructure. Here, the structure is a single-family residence. However, inother embodiments, the roof-mounted container may be provided on anapartment building or condominium or other structure. The container 66preferably provides access to an attic or other area where items may bestored and may have retractable doors as described above, or may belowered to a main floor via an elevator-like or dumbwaiter-like system.This embodiment provides heightened security as access to theroof-mounted container 66 is limited to autonomous delivery vehicles 57.Solar or photovoltaic systems 68 may also be provided for supplying oraugmenting power requirements of the system.

In FIG. 9, the container 72 may be located on a curb or similar locationand may comprise a user-owned container 72 among several containers, forexample. In other embodiments, the container 72 may be owned by amunicipality or a carrier, and temporarily assigned to a recipient of anitem who lives proximate to the container 72. The containers 72 maycomprise a top-sided access portal 76 for receiving items 5 therein,although other locations of the access portal 76 are contemplated, andmay also comprise a photovoltaic system 78 for providing power. Althoughthe containers 72 may be at ground level, in certain embodiments thecontainer 72 may be recessed in a portion of a sidewalk or driveway, forexample, thereby permitting the container 72 to be visible only when anauthorized item 5 arrives for delivery. In this embodiment, thecontainer 72 may be positioned on an elevated platform and extendablethrough access doors, which can open and close automatically when anitem 5 arrives for delivery as shown in FIG. 9. The doors are preferablyconfigured to close automatically once the platform is lowered and theitem(s) 5 secured in the container 72.

The embodiment of FIGS. 10-11 is similar to the embodiments of FIGS.1-2. In FIG. 10, the container is shown as a vestibule 82 with afull-height (or equivalent) door 88 that serves as the access portal.The door 88 may be accessible via a keypad 84 as described above or mayhave other security means. A smart lock may be provided with thedoorknob as well. The vestibule 82 may be located on a porch 6 or othersecure area of a user's property. A portion of the container may have atemperature-controlled container for perishable items. As shown in FIG.11, the vestibule 82 may have a retractable roof opening 86 that servesas the access portal and may be operated in a manner similar to thatdescribed in relation to FIG. 7. This may be desirable for entrywaysthat do not have an overhang or canopy above the entry.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 comprises a portable container 5 for shippingitems, including via an autonomous delivery vehicle (i.e., drone) 57 andmay be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments described above.The container 5 preferably comprises a plurality of hooks or latches 94for securing to tethers or other apparatus 95 associated with a drone 57and can be used to transport the container to a desired destination. Theportable container 5 may come in a variety of sizes but preferably islarge enough to transport standard size items for a particular carrier.The container 5 may comprise reinforcing members to ensure items locatedtherein are not damaged if the container comes into contact with thestorage containers described above. In certain embodiments, thecontainer 5 may further comprise a photovoltaic system(s) for poweringthe container 5. The container 5 may be engineered to be weatherproof aswell as extremely durable and reusable, thus potentially cutting down oncardboard and packaging waste. Container 5 may be used for delivery tohigh-rise apartments, condominiums, commercial properties and otherproperties that are not single-family residences. In this manner, theaspects of the system described herein may be realized for other typesof property owners.

RFID or other tracking circuits or coils may be provided for identifyingthe parcel and items therein. Parcels and/or containers may comprise GPSlocation tracking tags, which allow a user or carrier to pinpoint adesired location of the parcel or container relative to the address androute the parcel or container through the optimal delivery network.Additionally, the containers described above may have the ability tosense the size of the parcel or portable container arriving for aspecific delivery and further sense the temperature and/or humidityrequirements for perishable items. The combination of security andloss-mitigation features of the systems described herein allow a carrieror user to greatly reduce if not eliminate the risk of spoilage andtheft.

A solar array may also be provided for providing power to the unit forpreventing spoilage, for example, through a refrigeration unitassociated with the container. The containers may have unique codes(through RFID circuits or otherwise) and may be configured to bereceived within a certain container at a user's residence. Inembodiments, the portable container 5 may comprise other indicia to helpwith identifying the parcel or the items associated therewith.Containers like the one shown in FIG. 12 may be provided to multipledifferent carriers and used in conjunction with any of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure fortransporting business or consumer items in a commercial container 102,which may comprise different and various sizes. The commercial container102 may comprise a keypad 104 for accessing through a set of doors 103or may further comprise an opening 106 similar to the embodiment of FIG.7 for delivery directly to the commercial container 102 by a drone,robot, etc. (not shown in FIG. 13) or equivalent autonomous deliverydevice. The commercial container 102 may have any of the aforementionedfeatures and benefits of the embodiments described above.

The description above sets forth various levels of detail regarding thevarying embodiments. It is to be expressly understood that no limitationas to the scope of this disclosure is intended by either the inclusionor non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in the DetailedDescription. In certain embodiments, components or sub-components havebeen grouped and discussed in connection with certain embodiments whilenot being described in others. This is for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure and is not intended to disavow or surrender any scope ofthe present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods described above may beprovided via an application comprising one or several modules. In oneembodiment, the application/modules are designed to operate on a mobiledevice or mobile computer and assist a user with managing delivery,transfer, receipt, and acceptance of items to one or more containers. Inembodiments, the application is advantageously configured to receive andsend information by, for example, a recipient's mobile device. In oneembodiment, the application comprises one or more user interfaces anddisplays. For example, the system further comprises the ability tographically display the status of events or actions associated with acontainer, including actions requested by a carrier, for example, anditems received at a container so that the delivery, transfer, andretrieval of items can be efficiently managed.

According to some embodiments, the system is configured to permit securemessaging between users. For example, secure messaging between a firstuser and another individual may be provided for notifying a user of arequest for access or to confirm a subsequent action has been taken,such as closing the access portal and securing the items in thecontainer. This messaging may be manually initiated, but in a preferredembodiment occurs automatically when an item arrives at the location ofa container associated with the user. The messaging may be providedthrough a mobile application residing on a recipient's mobile device,for example.

In one embodiment, the application/modules may comprise one or more datasets, tables or databases, including one or more relational databases.In one embodiment, the application includes time and/ordelivery-specific alerts and/or notifications. In embodiments, theapplication/modules further permit a user to sort, search and modifydelivery records or events and thereby add or revise data associatedtherewith.

The modules and applications described herein are preferably configuredto run on a computer server or similar computational machinery. Theapplication may be configured to provide notifications or alerts. Alertsmay be provided via the module, including via notification upon loginand/or push notification, or via email, messaging, or other suitablemethods of communication to the recipient. Alerts may be defined forcertain conditions and customized by the user. Alternately, alerts maybe provided for certain events or actions, such as unauthorized actions,regardless of the user's configuration. In some examples, an alert mayindicate a recommended course of action. For example, the alert mayrecommend that additional action be taken.

According to some embodiments, the mobile application may further beconfigured to provide a user with the ability to filter and sortcollective or individual item data. For example, the user may purchasegroceries that have individually identifiable codes or indicia that thecontainer may recognize. In embodiments, the recognition of items mayoccur through the incorporation of one or more RFID readers/scanners,chip readers, infrared scanners or proximity scanners, for example. Inother embodiments, the container may be equipped with a scale orequivalent sensor to provide the user with the weight or size of theitem(s) received in the container. The data obtained by the system mayenable delivery services picking up a package from secure storage, whichhas been weighed and sized, for outbound delivery.

It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure toprovide software, which in certain embodiments is in the form of amobile application, provided with a computer-readable storage medium(preferably non-transitory) comprising processor-executable instructionsoperable to utilize the systems or perform the methods as describedherein. The software may be installed on a mobile device that allowsusers to monitor and/or control container access. In some embodiments, acarrier may have certain use rights granted by the user and managedthrough the mobile application or a desktop-based application.

In some embodiments, the software solution includes, but is notrestricted to, a mobile application, wherein a browser-based applicationthat connects all the components of the complete product delivery valuechain. The system may comprise an e-commerce website, the correspondingdelivery service for the ordered product, and the relevant container orreceptacle that accepts the delivery. All the components will preferablybe connected to each other via a cloud computing platform, viaBlockchain, local IoT networks, or via a mobile application configuredto track and monitor status of system components as described herein. Inother embodiments, the application will offer a one-click solution forproviding the relevant delivery information like an order confirmation,tracking details, and communicate with the container, accessauthorization information from and to authorized delivery services orautonomous apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system may be used to transfer ownership ofitems between two private parties at a secure location or facilitatecharitable donations. The system may permit the storing party to collecta small fee for the storage and use of a container that is controlled bythe storing party or another third party, such that the owner of thecontainer can generate revenue from the use of the container by others.

Embodiments of the present invention improve on this method by alsoincluding an indication of the container's location. When the human orautomated carrier scans the package and forwards that information to thecontainer, or when the container scans or otherwise recognizes thepackage, the container opens to receive the package. Thereafter, thesystem notifies the recipient that the package has been delivered andsecures the container. Accordingly, continuous and secure packagedelivery is possible.

It is one aspect of some embodiments to provide a delivery and receiptsystem, which protects one or more packages from external elements,allows for secure handoff/notification, secure storage, and, in someembodiments, climate control to keep refrigerated or frozen items coldand fresh. The refrigerated storage compartment employed by someembodiments receives power via a direct connection to the dwelling'spower or a battery. In other embodiments, dedicated solar panels areprovided. In some embodiments, the system will employee scales, cameras,or other sensors to recognize weight, volume, and temperature of thecontents inside to trigger a refrigeration or freezer element if needed.Alternative delivery methods are also contemplated that enable seamlessdriverless vehicle, robot, and/or drone delivery. Additionally, standardmail can be delivered in a dedicated slot, while in still otherembodiments the box may come attached with a folded wire mesh that canbe opened up to drop off large packages which do not fit inside andsecured using a self-locking device.

Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present disclosure providefor secure delivery, transfer of ownership, storing, accessing andreceiving an item from another. In one embodiment, a system and methodare provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and typesof parcels at one or more locations, including but not limited to on oradjacent a recipient's property. In yet other embodiments, the systemand method permits a user to track the shipment and delivery of a parceland confirm receipt of the same from any location, thereby ensuring thatthe parcel has arrived at the correct location and is securely storeduntil the user returns to the delivery location to retrieve the item. Infurther embodiments, the system may comprise an interactive modality forreceiving and granting access to a container that is owned or at leasttemporarily dedicated to a particular user. And in other embodiments,the system and method allow a user to receive and store an item withoutexposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that wouldimpair the value of the items.

Additionally, the components of the system are designed such that if theneed arises to have a larger box, then an additional modular attachmentcan vertically increase the size of the box with simple assembly. Inthis embodiment, the lid of the box detaches and the modular attachmentfits onto the top of the box making the box taller while the breadth andthe width remain the same. The lid then fits onto to the top of themodular attachment to make the box complete and fully functional. Inanother embodiment, the same is done through horizontal modularexpansion from the side, increasing the width. This modular expansionmay apply in both residential and commercial application.

In embodiments, a delivery ecosystem is provided that makes it easier toschedule and receive and store deliveries to any residential, commercialor industrial property, including by way of the communication ofinformation (preferably via the mobile application) from the deliveryservice provider or autonomous delivery apparatus to the party receivingthe items. The recipient can access the system via the application andmonitor and approve delivery of items, including those that requirerefrigeration or signature from the recipient prior to deposit in asecure container or secure location. New customers can register with themobile application and route all deliveries through the application,which in turn provides detailed information to the delivery serviceregarding the secure location to deposit the items for delivery, trackand confirm deposit of the items once the delivery service arrives atthe property, and confirm secure receipt by the owner, thereby greatlymitigating if not preventing risk of loss or spoilage of the items whileadding great convenience to the recipient. The mobile application allowsthe recipient to monitor the delivery and storage of the items and, ifpreferred, permit access to retrieve the items by an authorized party.In this manner, the recipient may use the system for returns orexchanges as well as receipt of originally purchased items. Inembodiments, the system may be used for private party-to-partytransactions and exchanges, including through accessible containers orother secure locations that may be leased by another but not necessarilyat either party's residence. In this embodiment, items may betemporarily secured at a secure location for transfer at a safe andconvenient time.

Methods for securely ordering or returning a package, tracking shipmentand receipt or pick up and storage of an item, and eventual registrationof receipt or pick up of an item are also disclosed. In one embodiment,the user initiates the method with the step of placing an order or pickup with specified instructions (location, access details). Theseinstructions preferably include details beyond the ship-to or pick upaddress and may contain GPS location of the container to receive or pickup the delivery, an authorization code for opening the container, etc.Next, a carrier delivers or picks up the package to or at the locationand identifies the container to receive or pick up the package. Upon ascan of the package and/or entry of the unique user-provided code, thecontainer opens the access portal for receipt or pick up of the packageand secures the access portal after the package is confirmed to beplaced within the container or picked up for returns. Then the containermay be configured to communicate its secure state to the recipient andthe carrier immediately after delivery.

The system includes the step of scheduling deliveries, pick up orreturns at any time of day (as acceptable to the customer or deliverycompany). The customer does not have to be present in a constrained timeperiod to receive or handover or condition (move torefrigerator/freezer) received goods. The step of scheduling deliveryfor a certain time is also as option.

The methods described above may continuously flow in a loop, flowaccording to a timed event or sequence, or flow according to a change instatus. The method may be initiated or suspended by a user at varioustimes during the method described above. In certain embodiments, themethods may be performed automatically or semi-automatically.

The application, modules and associated user interfaces described hereinmay be stored or operated on a computing environment, wherein thesystems, devices, servers, modules, etc. may execute. The computingenvironment preferably includes one or more user computers. Thecomputers may be general-purpose personal computers (including, merelyby way of example, personal computers, and/or laptop computers runningvarious versions of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows™ or other operatingsystems) and/or workstation computers running any of a variety ofcommercially-available UNIX™ or UNIX-like operating systems. These usercomputers may also have any of a variety of applications, including, forexample, database client and/or server applications, and web browserapplications. Alternatively, the user computers may be any otherelectronic device, such as a thin-client computer, Internet-enabledmobile telephone, and/or personal digital assistant, capable ofcommunicating via a network and/or displaying and navigating web pagesor other types of electronic documents. Any number of user computers maybe supported.

The computing environment described according to this embodimentpreferably includes at least one network. The network can be any type ofnetwork familiar to those skilled in the art that can support datacommunications using any of a variety of commercially-availableprotocols, including without limitation SIP, TCP/IP, SNA, IPX,AppleTalk, and the like. Merely by way of example, the network may be alocal area network (“LAN”), such as an Ethernet network, a Token-Ringnetwork and/or the like; a wide-area network; a virtual network,including without limitation a virtual private network (“VPN”); theInternet; an intranet; an extranet; a public switched telephone network(“PSTN”); an infra-red network; a wireless network (e.g., a networkoperating under any of the IEEE 802.11 suite of protocols, theBluetooth™ protocol known in the art, and/or any other wirelessprotocol); and/or any combination of these and/or other networks.

The system in varying embodiments may also include one or more servercomputers. One server may be a web server, which may be used to processrequests for web pages or other electronic documents from usercomputers. The web server can be running an operating system includingany of those discussed above, as well as any commercially-availableserver operating systems. The web server can also run a variety ofserver applications, including SIP servers, HTTP servers, FTP servers,CGI servers, database servers, Java servers, and the like. In someinstances, the web server may publish operations available operations asone or more web services.

According to certain embodiments, the computing environment may alsoinclude one or more file and or/application servers, which can, inaddition to an operating system, include one or more applicationsaccessible by a client running on one or more of the user computers. Theserver(s) may be one or more general-purpose computers capable ofexecuting programs or scripts in response to the user computers. As oneexample, the server may execute one or more web applications. The webapplication may be implemented as one or more scripts or programswritten in any programming language, such as Java™, C, C#™, or C++,and/or any scripting language, such as Perl, Python, or TCL, as well ascombinations of any programming/scripting languages. The applicationserver(s) may also include database servers, including withoutlimitation those commercially available from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase™,IBM™ and the like, which can process requests from database clientsrunning on a user computer.

In embodiments, the web pages or equivalent graphical displays createdby the application server may be forwarded to a user computer or usermobile device via a web server. Similarly, the web server may be able toreceive web page requests, web services invocations, and/or input datafrom a user computer and can forward the web page requests and/or inputdata to the web application server. In further embodiments, the servermay function as a file server. Although the foregoing generallydescribes a separate web server and file/application server, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the functions described withrespect to servers may be performed by a single server and/or aplurality of specialized servers, depending on implementation-specificneeds and parameters. The computer systems, file server and/orapplication server may function as an active host and/or a standby host.

In embodiments, the computing environment may also include a databasethat may or may not use Blockchain. The database may reside in a varietyof locations. By way of example, database may reside on a storage mediumlocal to (and/or resident in) one or more of the computers.Alternatively, it may be remote from any or all of the computers, and incommunication (e.g., via the network) with one or more of these. In aparticular embodiment, the database may reside in a storage-area network(“SAN”) familiar to those skilled in the art. Similarly, any necessaryfiles for performing the functions attributed to the computers may bestored locally on the respective computer and/or remotely, asappropriate. In one set of embodiments, the database may be a relationaldatabase, which is adapted to store, update, and retrieve data inresponse to SQL-formatted commands.

The computer system may also comprise software elements, including butnot limited to application code, within working memory, including anoperating system and/or other code. It should be appreciated thatalternate embodiments of a computer system may have numerous variationsfrom that described above. For example, customized hardware might alsobe used and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware,software (including portable software, such as applets), or both.Further, connection to other computing devices such as networkinput/output devices may be employed.

In embodiments, one or more web servers are operable to provide webservices to the user devices. In embodiments, the web server receivesdata or requests for data and communicates with the database server tostore or retrieve the data. As such, the web server functions as theintermediary to put the data in the database into a usable form for theuser devices. There may be more or fewer web servers, as desired by theoperator.

In this embodiment, a database server is any hardware and/or softwareoperable to communicate with the database and to manage the data withinthe database. Database servers, for example, SQL server, are well knownin the art. The database can be any storage mechanism, whether hardwareand/or software, for storing and retrieving data.

In the foregoing description, for the purposes of illustration, systemsand methods were described in a particular order. It should beappreciated that in alternate embodiments, the methods may be performedin a different order than that described. It should also be appreciatedthat the methods described above may be performed by hardware componentsor may be embodied in sequences of executable instructions onmachine-readable media, and which cause a machine, such as ageneral-purpose or special-purpose processor or logic circuitsprogrammed with the instructions to perform the methods. Thesemachine-executable instructions may be stored on one or moremachine-readable mediums, such as CD-ROMs or other type of opticaldisks, floppy diskettes, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic oroptical cards, flash memory, or other types of machine-readable mediumssuitable for storing electronic instructions. Alternatively, the methodsmay be performed by a combination of hardware and software.

Specific details were given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown inblock diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessarydetail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms,structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail inorder to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments have been described as a process,which in materials supplied herewith is depicted as a flowchart, a flowdiagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram.Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequentialprocess, many of the operations can be performed in parallel orconcurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may bere-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completedbut could have additional steps not included in the figure. A processmay correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, asubprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, itstermination corresponds to a return of the function to the callingfunction or the main function.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or anycombination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middlewareor microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessarytasks may be stored in a machine-readable medium such as storage medium.A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment mayrepresent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, asubroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination ofinstructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment maybe coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passingand/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memorycontents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memorysharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in thefollowing claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s)described herein is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thepreceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carriedout in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and shouldnot be regarded as limiting. Further, any one or more of theaspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein optionally incombination with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as disclosedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of securely receiving and storing apackage, comprising: providing a selectively openable container thatincludes a data input device; identifying or sensing the presence of thepackage or carrier when the package is a predetermined distance from thecontainer, and at least one of: transmitting a notification to arecipient, and transmitting a notification to a carrier that thecontainer is near; obtaining data with the data input device; verifyingthe data; conducting a package receipt sequence that comprises at leastone of: verifying the package can fit within the container, andverifying the package is intended for receipt; unlocking the containerif the data meets predefined criteria; accepting the package within thecontainer; closing the container; locking the container; disinfecting aninterior volume of the container automatically after locking thecontainer or after locking the container only upon recipient direction;and wherein the container generates at least one notification to therecipient indicating at least one of the following: that the containerhas been accessed, that the package has been delivered, that the packagehas been disinfected, and that the container is closed and locked. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein disinfecting the interior volume of thecontainer comprises exposing the package to a mist of disinfectant, adisinfecting environment, air that includes a disinfectant, ultra-violetradiation, a vacuum, an inert gas, an increase of temperature above apredetermined degree for a predetermined amount of time, or a decreasein temperature below a predetermined degree for a predetermined amountof time.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount oftime is defined by a carrier, the recipient, or a third party.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein disinfecting the interior volume of thecontainer comprises at least two of exposing the package to a mist ofdisinfectant, a disinfecting environment, air that includes adisinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, a vacuum, an increase oftemperature above a predetermined degree for a predetermined amount oftime, or a decrease in temperature below a predetermined degree for apredetermined amount of time.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising testing the package or air within the container to verify theabsence of pathogen or to identify the number of pathogens present onthe package.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the container remainslocked until the amount of pathogens present on the package or in theair within the container is below a predetermined level.
 7. The methodof claim 5, further comprising performing further disinfecting if theamount of pathogens on the package or in the air within the container isabove a predetermined level.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein initialdisinfecting comprises at least one of exposing the package to a mist ofdisinfectant, a disinfecting environment, air that includes adisinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, a vacuum, an increase oftemperature above a predetermined degree for a predetermined amount oftime, and a decrease in temperature below a predetermined degree for apredetermined amount of time; wherein further disinfecting comprises atleast one of exposing the package to a mist of disinfectant, adisinfecting environment, air that includes a disinfectant, ultra-violetradiation, a vacuum, an increase of temperature above a predetermineddegree for a predetermined amount of time, and a decrease in temperaturebelow a predetermined degree for a predetermined amount of time; andwherein the method of initial disinfecting and further disinfecting aredifferent.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the container includes atleast one monitoring device, and further comprising obtaining at leastone of package temperature, package weight, package integrity, andpackage shape with the at least one monitoring device.
 10. A method ofsecurely receiving and storing a package, comprising: providing aselectively openable container that includes a data input device;obtaining data with the data input device; verifying the data; unlockingthe container if the data meets predefined criteria; accepting thepackage within the container; closing the container; locking thecontainer; disinfecting an interior volume of the container, wherein thecontainer remains locked until the amount of pathogens present on thepackage or in the air within the container is below a predeterminedlevel; and wherein the container generates at least one notification tothe intended recipient indicating at least one of the following: thatthe container has been accessed, that the package has been delivered,that the package has been disinfected, and that the container is closedand locked.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein disinfecting theinterior volume of the container comprises exposing the package to amist of disinfectant, a disinfecting environment, air that includes adisinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, a vacuum, an inert gas, anincrease of temperature above a predetermined degree for a predeterminedamount of time, or a decrease in temperature below a predetermineddegree for a predetermined amount of time.
 12. The method of claim 10,further comprising testing the package or air within the container toverify the absence of pathogen or to identify the number of pathogenspresent on the package.
 13. A container configured to selectivelyreceive at least one package, comprising: a storage space; a selectivelyopenable door associated with the storage space having a closed positonof use and an open position of use; a lock associated with the door, thelock maintaining the door in the closed position of use; at least onenozzle that selectively releases a disinfecting mist, at least oneultra-violet radiation emitter, a heater, and a refrigeration unit; adata input device in communication with the lock, wherein the lock willrelease and allow the door to transition to the open position of usewhen the data input device receives predetermined data; a power sourceinterconnected to the data input device; a communications deviceconfigured to communicate at least one of: that the container has beenaccessed, that the package has been delivered, that the container isclosed and locked, and that the package has been disinfected; and acontroller that communicates with the at least one nozzle thatselectively releases a disinfecting mist, at least one ultra-violetradiation emitter, a heater, and a refrigeration unit, wherein thecontroller configured to at least one of initiate locking of thecontainer, initiate package disinfection, control disinfecting time, andcommunicate with a sensor configured to test the package or air withinthe container to verify the absence of pathogen or to identify theamount of pathogens present on the package.
 14. The container of claim13, further comprising at least one of an alarm and a light.
 15. Thecontainer of claim 13, further comprising at least one monitoring deviceconfigured to obtain at least one of package temperature, packageweight, package integrity, and package shape.
 16. A method of securelyreceiving and storing a package, comprising: providing a selectivelyopenable container that includes a data input device; identifying orsensing the presence of the package or carrier when the package is apredetermined distance from the container, and at least one of:transmitting a notification to a recipient, and transmitting anotification to a carrier that the container is near; obtaining datawith the data input device; verifying the data; conducting a packagereceipt sequence that comprises at least one of: verifying the packagecan fit within the container, and verifying the package is intended forreceipt; unlocking the container if the data meets predefined criteria;accepting the package within the container; closing the container;locking the container; disinfecting an interior volume of the container;wherein the container generates at least one notification to therecipient indicating at least one of the following: that the containerhas been accessed, that the package has been delivered, that the packagehas been disinfected, and that the container is closed and locked; andwherein disinfecting the interior volume of the container comprisesexposing the package to a mist of disinfectant, a disinfectingenvironment, air that includes a disinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, avacuum, an inert gas, an increase of temperature above a predetermineddegree for a predetermined amount of time, or a decrease in temperaturebelow a predetermined degree for a predetermined amount of time definedby a carrier, the recipient, or a third party.
 17. The method of claim16, further comprising testing the package or air within the containerto verify the absence of pathogen or to identify the number of pathogenspresent on the package.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thecontainer remains locked until the amount of pathogens present on thepackage or in the air within the container is below a predeterminedlevel.
 19. A method of securely receiving and storing a package,comprising: providing a selectively openable container that includes adata input device; identifying or sensing the presence of the package orcarrier when the package is a predetermined distance from the container,and at least one of: transmitting a notification to a recipient, andtransmitting a notification to a carrier that the container is near;obtaining data with the data input device; verifying the data;conducting a package receipt sequence that comprises at least one of:verifying the package can fit within the container, and verifying thepackage is intended for receipt; unlocking the container if the datameets predefined criteria; accepting the package within the container;closing the container; locking the container; disinfecting an interiorvolume of the container; wherein the container generates at least onenotification to the recipient indicating at least one of the following:that the container has been accessed, that the package has beendelivered, that the package has been disinfected, and that the containeris closed and locked; further comprising testing the package or airwithin the container to verify the absence of pathogen or to identifythe number of pathogens present on the package; and wherein thecontainer remains locked until the amount of pathogens present on thepackage or in the air within the container is below a predeterminedlevel.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein disinfecting the interiorvolume of the container comprises exposing the package to a mist ofdisinfectant, a disinfecting environment, air that includes adisinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, a vacuum, an inert gas, anincrease of temperature above a predetermined degree for a predeterminedamount of time, or a decrease in temperature below a predetermineddegree for a predetermined amount of time.
 21. The method of claim 19,further comprising testing the package or air within the container toverify the absence of pathogen or to identify the number of pathogenspresent on the package.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein thecontainer remains locked until the amount of pathogens present on thepackage or in the air within the container is below a predeterminedlevel.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising performing furtherdisinfecting if the amount of pathogens on the package or in the airwithin the container is above a predetermined level.
 24. A method ofsecurely receiving and storing a package, comprising: providing aselectively openable container that includes a data input device;identifying or sensing the presence of the package or carrier when thepackage is a predetermined distance from the container, and at least oneof: transmitting a notification to a recipient, and transmitting anotification to a carrier that the container is near; obtaining datawith the data input device; verifying the data; conducting a packagereceipt sequence that comprises at least one of: verifying the packagecan fit within the container, and verifying the package is intended forreceipt; unlocking the container if the data meets predefined criteria;accepting the package within the container; closing the container;locking the container; disinfecting an interior volume of the container;wherein the container generates at least one notification to therecipient indicating at least one of the following: that the containerhas been accessed, that the package has been delivered, that the packagehas been disinfected, and that the container is closed and locked;further comprising performing further disinfecting if the amount ofpathogens on the package or in the air within the container is above apredetermined level; wherein initial disinfecting comprises at least oneof exposing the package to a mist of disinfectant, a disinfectingenvironment, air that includes a disinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, avacuum, an increase of temperature above a predetermined degree, and adecrease in temperature below a predetermined degree for a predeterminedamount of time; wherein further disinfecting comprises at least one ofexposing the package to a mist of disinfectant, a disinfectingenvironment, air that includes a disinfectant, ultra-violet radiation, avacuum, an increase of temperature above a predetermined degree, and adecrease in temperature below a predetermined degree for a predeterminedamount of time; and wherein the method of initial disinfecting andfurther disinfecting are different.